Met Police announces measures to counter mobile phone theft

grumppa

Well done the Met, but as I walk the streets of London, am I alone in being amazed at how easy mobile phone users make it for potential thieves, by the casual way they hold them? Are they unaware how vulnerable they are?

I'm also amazed by how many people take out their expensive mobiles at bus stops or on the street. I've actually seen people robbed, their phones being snatched.

Only yesterday when I was walking along someone was coming towards me, not looking and using his phone. I'm surprised people don't trip over raised paving stones or something and bash their head on the ground. He was scrolling and looked like he was typing with one hand! If I am expecting a message or something I have to stop. I cannot walk along and use a phone. I stop, look at the message then put the phone back in my bag. I do not walk along holding it.

MT62 That is a really naive attitude of that lady. The fact is you can't trust people, so you have to be careful with your possessions and make sure they are not accessible.

Galaxy

To be honest i would rather they took my phone easily than injured me trying to pull it from my body.

There are quite a few devices or attachments that can do that job. If you search on line. Things with straps that you can attach to yourself or your belt or your handbag. Across body holders that have a cord which is reinforced that allows you to use the phone in your hand. However people do often think it wont happen to them, I've only got an old phone they wont want it, I'm only going to make a quick call no one will notice. Its also amazing how many people walk along with their phone in their hand following a map.

Sorry wrong quote copied. I was replying to the person asking about devices to stop it happening.

I found my way around London quite successfully using an A-Z! Similarly, I never got lost anywhere in the country when I had an OS map by my side! I am too imbecilic to work out how to use a smartphone - I have a 12 year old brick which I can never find. I shall be safe, then!!

Whilst not condoning theft surely prople have to take responsibility in trying to keep their phone safe. Do they leave home leaving windows and doors open, leave cars unlocked with keys in ignition? Who walks about with wallets, purses held up in front of them. Thieves will take advantage of every opportunity, you have to lessen the risk.

I live most of the time in outdoor walking clothing (I often buy Rohan clearance lines.). Some of the jackets work as cardigans too and have roomy inside zip pockets for phones and purses. I also have a smart watch which I find very useful, and I can take phone calls on my hearing aids. I hardly need a handbag when I can keep everything securely zipped around my person. Bionic woman me!

As I live in jeans my phone is relatively safe stuck in my jeans pocket. I have it set to vibrate if it rings or a text lands but will get out of the way to see who is calling or texting. Being old & ancient I probably look like I would not have a smart phone so that helps too!

theworriedwell

Mine was cheap and now it's old. I doubt anyone would want it, I don't and thinking of getting something more reliable but maybe it would be tempting to a thief. Big decision.

Beware..The phone might not be worth much..But the personal information that is still stored on it. May well be.

Just thought. Stealing phones from people in the UK may well used as thenext scan excuse to get off being prosecuted and claim asylum

Sorry your Honour. But l was snuggled into the UK by people traffickers and forced to steal mobile phones to pay them back.

I mention about not walking around in a city with his very expensive phone out all the time to my son but he's a student and doesnt/wont see the danger.Ive told him till i'm fed up of telling him.🤨🙄

Drumming it into the kids/grandkids not to get their phones out does NOT often work, as i know.

Why do phones have to be so big? Mine won’t fit safely in my jeans pocket, and I hate ducky little handbags.

tattygran14

Why do phones have to be so big? Mine won’t fit safely in my jeans pocket, and I hate ducky little handbags.

Mini smart phones (about 4"x 2") are available) from around £50. The battery life is shorter, the screen obviously smaller so it's harder to read and text.